module specification

In this module students will learn to develop higher intermediate language skills and become partly independent users of Arabic. Students will learn how to use Arabic in a range of contexts through practical class activities focusing on authentic language use. The course covers grammar structures, vocabulary and the four skills.  It also focuses on intercultural communication skills and cultural aspects of Arabic speaking countries. The course is structured around class time, independent learning and guided Weblearn materials. The module is adaptable to the language abilities of students and can be taught to students studying in different years.

The aims of this module are:
•  To increase students’ linguistic competence in Arabic for all skills towards a higher intermediate level (level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference);
• To further develop appropriate language learning strategies to encourage effective independent learning of Arabic;
• To develop a further understanding of the cultural contexts in which the language is used
• To enhance student employability and transferable skills

Completion of OAL073  or a similar course

• Further development receptive skills (listening, reading) LO2
• Further development of writing skills LO2
• Further development of speaking skills and fluency LO1
• Extension and expansion of accurate use of and understanding of a range of lexis. LO2
• Further development of grammatical accuracy LO2

Learning and teaching strategies will be delivered through a blended learning approach. Learners will actively participate in individual and group activities in class and using online resources and tools available on Weblearn, as well as paper based materials. They will receive teacher and peer feedback to enable them to reflect on their learning.

The learning outcomes of this module are calibrated to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.  By the end of the module students should be able to:

1. Speaking
• interact describing and expressing opinions/feelings on familiar topics and activities
• ask/answer questions and respond to statements, maintaining the flow of conversation

2. Use of written language:
• write simple connected text on familiar/personal topics as well as texts describing experiences and impressions
• read/write about everyday life, work, events, feelings and wishes

The module will be assessed through an in-class test and an oral test.
The in-class tests will assess learning outcomes 2 and the oral test will assess learning outcome 1
Formative assessment supports students in developing for summative assessment.
Feedback on assessment is timely, constructive and developmental.

Processes for marking assessments and for moderating marks are clearly articulated and consistently operated by those involved in the assessment process.

• Marilyn, L. (1999) How to study foreign Languages. London: Macmillan Study guides.
• Wightwick, J. and Gaafar, M. (2007) Mastering Arabic 1. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.
• Ba'albaki, M. (2003) Mawrid. A Modern English-Arabic Dictionary. Beirut: Dar El-Ilm Lil-Malayen.
• Wehr, H. (1994) Arabic-English dictionary. Illinois: Spoken Languages Services.

• Weblearn and other appropriate online resources

Websites:
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/arabic/  (News in Arabic)
• http://www.al-hakawati.net/arabic/Aboutus/Index.asp  
        (Culture, society, etc. of Arab countries)
• www.aljazeera.net

• Media

• The Middle East leading language daily news:
               http://www.arabnews.com/

• The following Arabic media website includes newspapers, songs, and movies:
              http://arabic-media.com/

• Arabic news and Radio/ France24- Radio Monte Carlo:
              http://arabic-media.com/sites/RMC-MO-Radio_Monte_Carlo.htm
• A site dedicated to news and current affairs across the Arab world                   http://www.middle-east-online.com/
• http://www.al-hakawati.net/arabic/Aboutus/Index.asp
Note: There will also be supplementary material provided by the course convener.